Shivamogga: Primary education minister Madhu Bangarappa Monday strongly rejected BJP MLC H Vishwanath’s criticism of the sharp rise in SSLC pass percentage, saying the remarks reflected poor judgment.Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga, Bangarappa said Vishwanath’s age was affecting his judgment and accused him of insulting students, whom he described as the nation’s future. He said the public should forgive what he termed Vishwanath’s directionless statements.Bangarappa said that while the state govt provides several welfare guarantees, education remains its most vital commitment. He added that chief minister Siddaramaiah had commended education department for the recent SSLC and II PU examination results.Defending the decision to lower the SSLC pass marks from 35 to 33, the minister said the change was marginal and benefited only 1,482 students.He also targeted former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, saying the BJP leader should be ashamed to speak on education after the party’s electoral defeats in Shiggaon and the handling of the education sector during Bommai’s tenure.On the janivara issueRegarding the recent controversies over the CET examination involving the janivara (sacred thread) and the hijab, Bangarappa said these were part of religious tradition and warned that those responsible for insensitive actions would be punished.Dismissing the trolling of Kalaburagi district in-charge minister Priyank Kharge over the district’s exam results, he said Kalaburagi’s performance had improved and that the department was working on fresh recruitments to strengthen the system.Referring to heavy rainfall in Shivamogga, particularly in Holehonnur and Ulavi, Bangarappa said he had directed the deputy commissioner, chief executive officer and tahsildars to restore electricity and provide immediate relief based on reports from village accountants and panchayat development officers. He said he would visit the affected areas.
